Summary
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is accepting applications for a full-time, permanent Staff Attorney. The JPML is a statutory national court governed principally by 28 U.S.C. § 1407 with the authority to "centralize" related actions pending in different districts by transferring the cases to a single district for pretrial management. JPML Staff Attorneys provide substantive legal analysis, advice, and assistance on issues arising in complex litigation.
Responsibilities
The Staff Attorney's duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Monitoring approximately 40 multidistrict dockets, and independently determining, based on research, analysis, and knowledge of those dockets, whether to transfer conditionally cases to, or remand conditionally cases from, their assigned dockets. Conducting legal research on issues that form the basis for the disposition of motions (primarily motions to centralize) or show cause orders, preparing memoranda, and presenting recommended dispositions, orally and in writing, for the Panel judges' consideration. Reviewing and analyzing the district court, appellate court, and agency records, as well as the motions and briefs filed in cases related to motions (primarily motions to centralize and motions to vacate conditional transfer or remand) before the Panel. Drafting opinions and orders for the Panel judges' consideration and signature. Arranging and coordinating Panel hearing sessions, including taking oral argument appearances from multiple counsel at each hearing session, and an annual conference for MDL judges. Drafting presentations and reference materials on jurisdiction, substantive law, and MDL practices, for distribution and use by Panel judges, transferee judges, other Panel personnel, and other court personnel throughout the country. Conducting research on specific legal questions from judges and preparing memoranda on the results of that research. Assisting newer staff attorneys, including providing training, guidance, and advice, reviewing, editing and checking draft documents, offering constructive criticism, and similar tasks. Remaining current on, and tracking developments in the law of, all circuits and district court decisions affecting multidistrict, complex, mass tort, and class action litigation, as well as legislative developments in those areas, and updating legal personnel and judges on those developments. Some travel is required (generally, seven 4-day trips annually).
Qualifications
To be qualified for appointment, a two-year commitment is required. Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in the practice of law. Law review or other journal participation or comparable legal research and writing experience is desirable. Litigation or court staff attorney experience is advantageous, as is a prior judicial clerkship and familiarity with multidistrict litigation.
Requirements
An incumbent will be considered provisional pending successful completion of a ten-year full-field OPM background investigation. Every five years, thereafter, the position requires an updated investigation. Employees must adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available upon request.
Education
Applicants must hold a J.D. degree and be a member of the bar of a state, territorial or federal court of general jurisdiction.
Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for a full range of benefits such as paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, retirement benefits that include a defined contribution program and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). TSP is a 401(k) equivalent program that includes matching contributions. Additional benefits include health and life insurance, disability and long-term care insurance, dental and vision insurance, a Flexible Benefits Program which includes medical and dependent care reimbursement, and transit subsidy program. Limited telework opportunities may be available. Appointees are subject to a one-year probationary period.